As we set sail into the new year of 2024, it's essential to pause and contemplate the pivotal events that shaped the preceding year. 2023 was a year when the world confronted pressing sustainability challenges head-on, ranging from the urgent imperative to reduce emissions and combat climate change to the sobering realities of water scarcity and an unprecedented summer heatwave interchanged with widespread wildfires. This global awakening prompted businesses to refresh their commitment to addressing their environmental impact and updating sustainability strategies. It triggered a transformative shift in corporate practices, as companies increasingly committed to sustainable operations and ethical decision-making. 

Here at Emerald, our journey in 2023 was filled with our own sustainability milestones. We achieved LEED Silver certification for our office, welcomed new team members, and many staff members earned valuable professional accreditations and certifications. We also issued our first GHG emissions report. And we made substantial progress toward our 2030 sustainability goals, crossing the 1,600 mark on our path to enhancing 2030 sustainable environments. 

Our top blogs from last year offered diverse insights for those looking to take significant steps in their sustainability journey. They provided business owners with invaluable guidance on how to engage with the sustainability movement and reap its associated benefits. As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, we eagerly anticipate 2024 as a year of continued growth and transformation toward a more sustainable future. 

#1: The High Cost of Ignoring Sustainability: A Wake-Up Call for Business Leaders 

There is no reason for businesses to be still ignoring sustainability. The harmful environmental, social, and health impacts caused by the private sector are astounding. Additionally, from a financial perspective, sustainability is a great idea! So why is your business not embracing ESG?

#2: The Journey of a Sustainable Building 

High-performance buildings are imperative for restoring the health and vitality of our planet and all its inhabitants. In this blog, we explore what it means for a building to be sustainable, and the processes and value services employed during its lifecycle to help mitigate negative environmental impacts. We also discuss the benefits of building sustainability with the key stakeholders involved in each phase of a building project. 

#3: The E in ESG: Shaping Sustainability in the Built Environment  

Discover the power of the "E" in ESG! Did you know that nearly 80% of a building's expenses happen during its lifetime, with utility costs being a major chunk? By boosting building efficiency, you cut operational expenses and reduce your environmental footprint. It's a double win!

#4: 10 Ways to Be More Sustainable at Work 

Corporations are responsible for most global environmental impacts, so they can also make some of the most impactful changes. The science all points to the necessity of making the world more sustainable. Learn how you can make your business part of the change! 

#5: Fast Track to LEED in 2023 

If you are interested in future-proofing your existing building or interior space, reaping the benefits of tax incentives, and meeting ESG targets, LEED O+M certification is the perfect place to start. It is one of the most widely used sustainability certifications for existing buildings and interior spaces. 

#6: Sustainable Building Finance: A Blueprint for Budget Mastery  

Unlocking the Power of ESG: Master the art of budgeting for your building's sustainability goals! Dive into this blog post to discover impactful ESG strategies. From forging enduring priorities to shaping yearly ambitions, to strategically distributing funds – we've got you covered.

#7: Mitigating Human Capital Risk Through the Power of WELL Certification 

People are the heart and soul of every business, yet human health is often taken for granted. Business owners should prioritize their employees’ well-being. WELL Certification facilitates this process in buildings. It sets criteria for a people-first design that protects human health and generates positive financial, reputational, and social benefits. 

#8: Need Metrics For Your ESG Report? 

ESG is more than just a buzzword. Indicators point towards its growing role in business. However, implementing ESG policies can seem daunting, especially for property owners. Where to start? LEED certification! In this blog, we reveal how ESG and LEED have significant overlaps and complement each other. ESG provides a reporting system, and LEED provides a metric framework for buildings.  

#9: Why You Should Care About Materiality 

Does your business's sustainability program focus on material ESG issues? If not, it should! Materiality plays an important role in ESG programs. However, defining material ESG issues is challenging and relies on effective materiality assessments.

#10: Key Building Management Practices for Existing Buildings 

Are you looking for ways to improve your building's sustainability and reduce waste? This blog post on key management practices for existing buildings has got you covered! Plus, it includes a free template to help you get started! 

BONUS: 2022 Flashback! 

We also have one blog from 2022 that continues to be widely popular, and it covers a topic we get asked about all the time: The Inflation Reduction Act Expands Tax Incentives for Sustainability. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is one of the first policies to directly state a target for reducing national emissions, setting a goal all Americans can work towards achieving. It also is the largest federal investment to date toward combating climate change. Knowing the Federal Government cannot go it alone, the Act includes many incentives for businesses and property owners. We explain more in this blog—plus there’s a bonus video!

Make Sure to Keep Up With Emerald in 2024 

Looking ahead, it's evident that this momentum will persist and expand in the years to come. The spotlight on business sustainability discussions is set to intensify within boardrooms nationwide, underscoring the imperative of proactive involvement in sustainable practices. And rest assured, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed on these vital topics. 

So follow us in 2024 (or keep following if you’re already a subscriber)! If you haven't already subscribed, we invite you to join us now to ensure you don't miss out on our upcoming content. To subscribe, simply click on the form to the right! Additionally, if you have any suggestions for topics you'd like us to explore, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your thoughts and ideas are always welcome, and we value your input!